Apparatus and Method for a Compact Bag-Privacy Pod Convertible

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides for a compact bag-privacy pod convertible comprising: a base with a circular frame disposed with an opposable first and second string guides on an outward surface; a collapsible and tubular side wall with a circumferential fold line; and a top end with a circular frame larger in circumference than the circular frame of the base, an aperture, a drawstring disposed within a tubular brim edge, said brim edge disposed in any one of a plane above or below the fold line, and configured such that when the drawstring traversed through an eyelet on the tubular brim edge is drawn: the aperture on the top end is closed; the tubular side wall is collapsed such that the top end frame and the base frame are aligned; the drawstring from the top end is guided through the first opposable string guide and fastened to the second opposable string guide with any one of a hooking element, such that the top end folds over the fold line and is adjacent to the base and the guided drawstring serves as a shoulder strap for carriage.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The field of the invention relates to a bag-privacy pod convertible thatis fold-able and modular. The convertible may be folded along at leastone-fold line to form a modular, easy-to-carry portable bag with ahandle/strap. Specifically, the invention relates to an under-basesituated, opposable string guide mechanism for allowing foldability andpop-out functionality.

Background of the Related Art

Numerous devices have been previously designed for aiding in providingprivacy. However, most of these devices are restricted to conventionaluse pop-out privacy tents. Such privacy tents do serve the purpose ofproviding privacy while out on the beach or camping. However, thesedevices require a significant amount of installation, including frame,poles and connectors. The Stansport XL, GoPlus, and Northwest Territoryare all portable camping and bathing tents that do serve the purpose ofmomentary outdoor privacy—ideal for camping and bathing. However, theyall beg the question—is it worth building if we're only using it for afew seconds at a time, and a only a few times at any given moment. Theyeach are comprised of a pin and frame system, which may be furthercomprised of shock-cord fiberglass poles, connecting hubs, and metalmounting stakes. Installation can take up to 30 minutes—and that's ifyou are adept at installing things.

The afore mentioned tents also lack versatility of lightweightconstruction or modularity for travel friendliness or easy carriage.Modular construction of water and weather proof tents with easyconversion to various types of duffel bags, backpacks, camping bags andsleeping-bags would significantly enhance user friendliness for travel,adventure and sports gear users. There is currently a significant voidin the market and art for such a modular, portable pop-out privacy tentthat has a mixed use of a storage compartment and carriage.

Furthermore, commercially available privacy tents lack an electronicdetection means operably coupled to the tent, wherein a sensor andinterface means may capture and transmit the data and configure the tentto cause any one of the following: transfer data over a network;interface for analytics; actuate a motor; and, or cause playback of anauditory and or visual cue. This lack of analytics and provisioningrelegates the privacy tent to an accessory relic—void of any futureenhancements or add-ons allowing the tent to reconfigure to a user'scontextual state.

SUMMARY

These and other features and improvements of the present applicationwill become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review ofthe following detailed description when taken in conjunction with theseveral drawings and the appended claims.

The present invention fills a void left behind by the current art andmarket. The present invention provides for a compact bag-privacy podconvertible comprising: a base with a circular frame disposed with anopposable first and second string guides on an outward surface; acollapsible and tubular side wall with a circumferential fold line; anda top end with a circular frame larger in circumference than thecircular frame of the base, an aperture, a drawstring disposed within atubular brim edge, said brim edge disposed in any one of a plane aboveor below the fold line, and configured such that when the drawstringtraversed through an eyelet on the tubular brim edge is drawn: theaperture on the top end is closed; the tubular side wall is collapsedsuch that the top end frame and the base frame are aligned; thedrawstring from the top end is guided through the first opposable stringguide and fastened to the second opposable string guide with any one ofa hooking element, such that the top end folds over the fold line and isadjacent to the base and the guided drawstring serves as a shoulderstrap for carriage.

The present invention is further configured such that when thedrawstring is unfastened from the second string guide: the drawstring isunguided from the first string guide; the top end is separated from thebase and the tubular side wall is unfolded along the fold line and saidwall is expanded; the drawstring is undrawn; the top end is openedforming an aperture; and when inverted and placed over a user, thecircular base rests on a head of a user and forms a tubular privacy podfor the user to change clothes in privacy.

In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a hookingelement further comprised of any one of, or combination of fixed hooks,zipper, double-sided tape, magnetic strip, adhesive strip, buttons,suction cups, D-rings, clips, chains, snap-closed ring, slidingsnap-closed ring, wrap-around ring, wrap-around flap, buttonedwrap-around flap, c-hook, s-hook and or a tie-string for hooking ontothe second string guide disposed on the outward surface of the base.

In another embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a plurality of rows ofmodular, expandable storage members attached to an inner surface of thetubular side wall configured to be any one of fixed, removable and or areplaceable. In yet other embodiments, a net compartment, a cut-outcompartment for damp material, a hidden compartment, a visiblecompartment, sectionalized compartment, temperature insulatedcompartment and or transparent compartment may also be disposed on theinner surface of the tubular side wall.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a bag-privacy podconvertible that may have a zipper line running longitudinally thelength of the tubular side wall. Such a zipper may allow a user to moreeasily access the interior of the pod once fully expanded. In anotheraspect of the invention, mesh eyelets or a mesh base may be provided forallowing a user to see outside of the pod while changing, and also toallow light and air to enter. The mesh base may additionally prevent auser from feeling claustrophobic while inside the pod. In yet otheraspects, the collapsible bag may be adapted with at least one sensor anda control circuit that may be integrated within a home or facilityInternet of Things network or a remote server, in order to enableanalytics, contextual data, or intelligent automation of a power deviceintegrated on the bag-privacy pod convertible to engage the user. Forinstance, the bag-pod convertible may have an embedded motionsensor—serving as the above-mentioned monitoring system—which relaysuser movement data to inform a light source for actuation. Moreover, aRFID tag may be embedded within the base frame, side wall, or top endfor relaying movement data in real-time to analyze or to inform any oneof a power device for actuation.

Aspects and advantages of this invention may be realized in otherapplications, aside from the intended application of beach and, orcamping products. Other pertinent applications that may exploit theaspects and advantages of this invention are, but not limited to, anybag pop-out or convertible that utilizes the base-situated, opposablestring guide mechanism of the bag-pod convertible. Other examples mayinclude a bag-tent convertible; a bag-sleeping bag convertible, etc.Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate the design and utility of embodiments of thepresent invention, in which similar elements are referred to by commonreference numerals. In order to better appreciate the advantages andobjects of the embodiments of the present invention, reference should bemade to the accompanying drawings that illustrate these embodiments.However, the drawings depict only some embodiments of the invention, andshould not be taken as limiting its scope. With this caveat, embodimentsof the invention will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1a is a front perspective diagram of a privacy pod convertible inaccordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 1b is a bottom-up perspective diagram of a privacy pod convertiblein accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top down perspective diagram of a bag convertible inaccordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIGS. 3a and 3b are a fragmentary sectional perspective diagram ofguidance and affixing elements of a bag-privacy pod convertible inaccordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a method flow diagram of the expansion and folding of abag-privacy pod convertible in accordance with an aspect of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to oneskilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without thesespecific details.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodimentsmutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features aredescribed which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirementsfor some embodiments but no other embodiments.

The present inventors have realized that there is a need for an improvedportable and modular compact bag-privacy pod convertible. Thesefunctions allow for simple, organized, customizable portable storagesolutions for the individual, along with a pod that allows for anindividual to have privacy while outdoors. All the individual user hasto do is to attach or detach the hook from the loop or string guide andguide the string out; unfold and expand the bag into its tube pod form;un-choke the aperture or opening at the top end; and invert and placeover one's head, such that the base of the bag form is now resting onthe user's head while it is in pod form. Other similar applications maybe realized. For instance, this base-opposable string guide mechanismfor convertibility may be applied onto a compact bag-sleeping bagconvertible. Another example may be a compact bag-shade tentconvertible. Essentially, any bag pop-out may utilize the convertibilitymechanism.

FIG. 1a illustrates a front perspective view of the present inventionaccording to a preferred embodiment of the invention. A preferredembodiment comprises of a base 11 with a circular frame 12 disposed withan opposable first 13 a and second string guides 13 b on an outwardsurface; a collapsible and tubular side wall 14 with a circumferentialfold line 15; and a top end 16 with a circular frame 17 larger incircumference than the circular frame 12 of the base 11, an aperture 18,a drawstring 19 a disposed within a tubular brim edge 19 b, said brimedge 19 b disposed in any one of a plane above or below the fold line15, and configured such that when the drawstring 19 a traversed throughan eyelet on the tubular brim edge is drawn: the aperture 18 on the topend 16 is closed; the tubular side wall 14 is collapsed such that thetop end 16 circular frame 17 frame and the base 11 frame 12 are aligned;the drawstring 19 a from the top end 16 is guided through the firstopposable string guide 13 a and fastened to the second opposable stringguide 13 b with any one of a hooking element 13 c, such that the top end16 folds over the fold line 15 and is adjacent to the base 11 and theguided drawstring 19 a serves as a shoulder strap for carriage.

Furthermore, this embodiment may be further configured such that whenthe drawstring 19 a is unfastened from the second string guide 13 b: thedrawstring 19 a is unguided from the first string guide 13 a; the topend 16 is separated from the base 11 and the tubular side wall 14 isunfolded along the fold line 15 and said wall 14 is expanded; thedrawstring 19 a is undrawn; the top end 16 is opened forming an aperture18; and when inverted and placed over a user, the circular base 11 restson a head of a user and forms a tubular privacy pod for the user tochange clothes in privacy.

FIG. 1a illustrates the compact bag-privacy pod convertible in theexpanded pod form in accordance with an aspect of the invention. In apreferred embodiment, the pod form is configured such that when thedrawstring 19 a traversed through an eyelet on the tubular brim edge isdrawn: the aperture 18 on the top end 16 is closed; the tubular sidewall 14 is collapsed such that the top end 16 circular frame 17 frameand the base 11 frame 12 are aligned; the drawstring 19 a from the topend 16 is guided through the first opposable string guide 13 a andfastened to the second opposable string guide 13 b with any one of ahooking element 13 c, such that the top end 16 folds over the fold line15 and is adjacent to the base 11 and the guided drawstring 19 a servesas a shoulder strap for carriage.

In other embodiments, the side wall 14 may be tubular, rectangular, orany other shape that is conducive for a storage compartment—with pop-outconvertibility for additional functionality. Moreover, the side wall 14may not be collapsible, but rather just made of a pliant, or semi-pliantmaterial, that allows for easy folding over the fold line 15. In yetother embodiments, pliant or semi pliant side wall 14 may fold over thefold-line 15—or simply fold at any choosing of the user—and the top endmay fold over and be adjacent to the base for string guidance andhooking for strap formation and easy carriage.

In other embodiments, the side wall 14 may be made of a collapsible,accordion-like pleats that allow for the circular frame 12 of the base11 to align with the circular frame 17 of the top end 16. This type ofaccordion-type side wall 14 with alignment of frames 12, 17 may allowfor a more compact storage for easier stow and carriage. Additionally,such an alignment may also be more conducive for string guidance andfastening onto the opposable string guides 13 a, 13 b and hookingelement 13 c.

In yet other embodiments, the top end 16 may not further comprise acircular frame 17, and may just have an aperture 18, for which a usermay store items into while in bag form, and may invert and enter intowhile in pod form for privacy during outdoor changing. The tubular brimedge 19 b disposed with the drawstring 19 a, may be housedcircumferentially at any longitudinal point along the side wall 14.Preferably, such tubular brim edge 19 b is housed circumferentiallyadjacent to the aperture 18. However, brim edges 19 b further down theside wall 14 may still achieve the function of folding the top end 16over the base 11 and guiding/fastening the strings 19 a through theopposable string guides 13 a, 13 b.

FIG. 1b illustrates the compact bag-privacy pod convertible in abottom-up perspective in accordance with an aspect of the invention. Ina preferred embodiment, the bag form may be configured such that whenthe drawstring 19 a is unfastened from the second string guide 13 b: thedrawstring 19 a is unguided from the first string guide 13 a; the topend 16 is separated from the base 11 and the tubular side wall 14 isunfolded along the fold line 15 and said wall 14 is expanded; thedrawstring 19 a is undrawn; the top end 16 is opened forming an aperture18; and when inverted and placed over a user, the base 11 rests on ahead of a user and forms a tubular privacy pod for the user to changeclothes in privacy.

In another embodiment, the fastening and unfastening of the drawstring19 a from the second string guide 13 b may be by a hooking element 13 c,such as an s-hook or any other hook that may attach to a complementaryloop attached to the second string guide 13 b. Alternatively, the s-hookor any other hook may attach directly onto the second string guide 13 b,without the aid of a complementary loop. The terminal end of thedrawstring 19 a may have a terminus, wherein the two string leadsterminate into a single point, for easier guidance through the stringguides 13 a, 13 b. The terminus may be situated at the most terminal endand have a loop embedded for fastening onto the hooking element 13 c, ormay terminate with sufficient distance at the terminal end in order fora native loop to form for fastening onto the hooking element 13 c. Thedrawstring 19 a may also have a choker for allowing the user to draw orun-draw the drawstring from the tubular brim edge 19 b and further openor close the aperture 18 on the top end 16.

Alternatively, the terminal ends of the drawstring 19 a may notterminate in a terminus, simply terminating in at least two distinctstring leads. In such an example, the string leads will then need moreprecise guiding through the string guides 13 a, 13 b. In such anembodiment, the loose terminal string leads will still require anadditional loop in order to fasten to the hooking element 13 c. In yetother alternative embodiments, the loose leads may be tied to the secondstring guide 13 b, obviating the need for a formal hooking element 13 c.

Still in reference to FIG. 1a or 1 b, the hooking element 13 c may beany one of, or a combination of fixed or removable hooks, fasteners,suction cups, D-rings, clips, chains, snap-closed ring, slidingsnap-closed ring, wrap-around ring, wrap-around flap, buttonedwrap-around flap, c-hook, s-hook and or a tie-string. The hookingelement 13 c in a preferred embodiment may hook onto a complementaryelement affixed to the second string guide 13 b, or may directly hookonto the second string guide 13 b.

While not illustrated in FIG. 1a or 1 b, the compact bag-privacy podconvertible may further embody a plurality of rows of modular,expandable storage members attached to an inner surface of the tubularside wall 14 configured to be fixed, removable and or a replaceable.This would allow for a user to be able to store items while changing inthe privacy pod. Additionally, the items may remain in the storagecompartments while the convertible is in an unused, non-upright,collapsed, and, or bag form state. The items from the storagecompartments from the inner wall may be easily accessed from the outsideas well—whether in any of the above-mentioned states.

Alternatively, the compact bag-privacy pod convertible may furtherembody a plurality of rows of modular, expandable storage membersattached to an outer surface of the tubular side wall 14 configured tobe fixed, removable, and, or replaceable. This particular embodimentwould allow for a user to be able to store and access items from theoutside. The ideal items for such storage would be small beach orcamp-ware items, such as a sun-glass, wallet, keys, etc.

Preferably, the storage compartments may be any one of a netcompartment, a cut-out compartment for damp material, a hiddencompartment, a visible compartment, sectionalized compartment,temperature insulated compartment and or transparent compartment. Thiswould especially make accessing the said beach and, or camp-ware itemsmore easily. Additionally, the compartments may be specialized forspecific items in terms of material and, or dimension. For instance, acompartment for holding a baby's bottle may be comprised of anexpandable mesh material and be cylindrical in shape.

The top-end 16 may, in some embodiments, not have a circular, or anyother shaped frame disposed within. The frame-less top end 16 may justextend from the tubular or rectangular side wall 14 and terminate withan aperture 18. Said top end aperture 18 may not be larger or smaller incircumference in relation to the base frame 12 circumference.Preferably, the top end 16 may be larger in circumference than baseframe 12, with the tubular or rectangular side walls 14 tapered inshape. This may allow a camper or beach-goer with the added freedom ofmovement while changing in the pod, particularly in the arms andmid-section regions. However, in other embodiments, tubular orrectangular side walls 14 may not be tapered, and instead, juststraight-line extended into the terminal edge and the aperture 18.Whether a straight-line or a tapered side wall 14, some embodiments mayadditionally be disposed with a zipper running the length of the sidewall 14. The zipper may run from the terminal edge all the way up to thefoot of the base, or to any point substantially close to the base. Thismay allow for easier ingress and, or egress into and, or out of the podfor a camper or beach-goer.

While also not shown in FIG. 1a or 1 b, a waterproof and, or stainresistant material, for example, a heavy-duty industrial grade,flexible, light-weight polymeric or non-polymeric polyurethane orpoly-vinyl chloride, Cordura nylon, Kodra nylon, 190D nylon, nylon,taffeta, cotton, or canvas fabric material may be used to serve as thecoat, or at least, the outer coat of the bag-pod convertible. Theouter-coating or external surface of the single coat may be additionallycoated with Agion, or any other anti-microbial, to make the bag-podconvertible resistant to the growth of bacteria or other microbes.

In some embodiments, the coating (outer or single) may have a resistanceto being wet. This has obvious advantages given the fact that the mainapplication of the bag-pod convertible is for use on the beach.Moreover, if the bag-pod convertible remains dry, there will be anincreased likelihood that the bag-pod convertible will not track dirt,sand or dust from the beach or camp-ground.

As FIG. 1a shows, in some embodiments, at least one pair of eyelets on aportion near the base, such that when inverted over a standing user, theuser may view surrounding through the at least one pair of eyelets.Eyelets may be a mesh strip or a pair of holes spaced and dimensionedsuch that an archetypal human may view his or her surroundings. Thecompact bag-privacy pod convertible may further comprise at least onemesh-ventilation allowing for the free-exchange of air between bothsides of a wall of the pod or the base. If the mesh-ventilation strip ison the base, then a user may not feel as contained or claustrophobic.However, a mesh-ventilation strip may also expose the base and revealthe contents of the bag-pod convertible in the bag form.

Though not shown in FIG. 1a or 1 b, the compact bag-privacy podconvertible may further comprise an electronic detection means operablycoupled to said pod; an interface means for transmitting a data fromsaid electronic detection means to a storage means; a processor forexecuting instructions stored in memory, wherein when executed,configure the pod to cause any one of the following: transfer data overa network interface for analytics; actuate a motor; and cause playbackof an auditory and or visual cue.

Suppose the following scenario, a user unfastens the hooks and expandsthe bag form into the pod form; enters the up-right pod for changing;and while in the pod, the electronic detection means recognizesoccupancy and begins to play an auditory cue for user stimulation, and,or relaxation. The user, while changing, may indulge in the serenades ofthe slowly breaking ocean waves. This may have a calming effect, forwhat is usually a frantic and hectic changing experience. Other examplesof actuation or playback may be a visual cue on a light-emitting diodestrip embedded within the walls 14.

In other aspects, the hooking element 13 c may be adapted with amonitoring system of a beach or camp-goer. In other aspects, a controlcircuit embedded in the hooking element 13 c or the actual fabric of theside walls 14 or base 11 may be integrated within a home or facilityInternet of Things network or a remote server, in order to enableanalytics, contextual data, or intelligent automation of a power deviceintegrated on the bag-pod convertible to engage the beach or camp-goer.For instance, any of the above items may have an embeddedaccelerometer—serving as the above-mentioned monitoring system—whichrelays movement data analysis or to inform a power device for actuationif necessary. Moreover, a RFID tag may be embedded within the hookingelement 13 c or the actual fabric of the side walls 14 or base 11,relaying specific user data to analyze or to inform the power device foruser-specific actuation.

For instance, suppose the following scenario, a user unfastens the hooksand expands the bag form into the pod form; enters the up-right pod forchanging; and while in the pod, the RFID tag recognizes occupancy of aspecific user and begins to play a user-specified or requested auditorycue. The user, while changing, may now indulge in the serenades ofcountry-side birds chirping, as previously queued by the user. In yetother embodiments, the array of electronic detection means may configurethe pod to provide play-back or actuate that is specific to a user, aswell as be contextual to a specific user. Let's suppose it is aparticular hot day, then perhaps the auditory cue shall be for aserenade of rainfall in the jungle, as queued by the user, as well asaccounting for the particularly hot weather and time of day.

Now in reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a top down perspective diagram ofa bag convertible in accordance with an aspect of the invention. In apreferred embodiment of the invention, a bag convertible comprises of abase 20 with a circular frame 21 disposed with a pair of opposable firststring guide 22 and second string guide 23 on an outward surface, acollapsible and tubular side wall 24.

Further yet, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drawstring27 from the top end 25 is guided through the first opposable stringguide 22 and fastened to the second opposable string guide 23 with anyone of a hooking element 26, such that the top end 25 folds over thefold line (not shown) and is adjacent to the base 20 and the guideddrawstring 27 serves as a shoulder strap for carriage.

Further yet, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, inorder to expand the tube, the drawstring 27 is unfastened from thesecond string guide 23, further unguided from the first string guide 22,thus enabling the top end 25 being separated from the base 20 and thetubular side wall 24. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, theexpanded tubular side wall 24, when inverted and placed over a user, thecircular base 20 rests on a head of a user and forms a tubular privacypod for the user to change clothes in privacy.

In another embodiment of the invention, the fastening and unfasteningand or the expansion and collapsing of the drawstring 27 from the secondstring guide 23 may be by a hooking element 26, such as an s-hook or anyother hook that may attach to a complementary loop attached to thesecond string guide 23. Alternatively, the s-hook or any other hook mayattach directly onto the second string guide 23, without the aid of acomplementary loop. The terminal end of the drawstring 27 may have aterminus, wherein the two string leads terminate into a single point,for easier guidance through the string guides 22, 23. The terminus maybe situated at the most terminal end and have a loop embedded forfastening onto the hooking element 26, or may terminate with sufficientdistance at the terminal end in order for a native loop to form forfastening onto the hooking element 26. The drawstring 27 may also have achoker for allowing the user to draw or un-draw the drawstring from thetubular brim edge 21 and further open or close at the top end 25.

In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, the base 20outer surface may further comprise of a handle for carriage by a user orholding by a second user, while a first user is standing inside of thepod. Additionally, the tubular wall 24 of the collapsible pod, mayfurther comprise of, or a combination of, but not limited to a, azippered or snap-closed D-shaped door, inverted U-shaped door, or singlezippered or snap-closed line running the length of any one of a side ofan expanded privacy pod convertible.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional perspective diagram of guidance andaffixing elements of a bag-privacy pod convertible in accordance with anaspect of the invention. Now with reference to FIG. 3a , in a preferredembodiment of the invention, the drawstring 30 from the top end may beguided through the first opposable string guide 31 and fastened to thesecond opposable string guide (not shown) with any one of a hookingelement 33, such that the top end 32 folds over the fold line (notshown) and is adjacent to the base 34 and the guided drawstring 30serves as a shoulder strap for carriage. In another embodiment of theinvention, the drawstrings 30 may attach to a common point beforehooking onto the hooking element 33 to form a closed loop.

Now with reference to FIG. 3b , in a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a hooking element 33, such as an s-hook or any other hook mayattach to a complementary loop which would further get attached to thesecond string guide (not shown) for the expansion and collapsiblefeature or the fastening and unfastening of the collapsible bag.Additionally, the material used for the drawstrings 33 may be strong,abrasion resistance, affordable and easy to use. Hence, the materialsused to make the drawstrings 33 may be any one of, or a combination of,but not limited to nylon, polypropylene, polyester and or naturalfibers.

Additionally, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the hookingelement may be further comprised of any one of, or combination of, butnot limited to, fixed hooks, zipper, double-sided tape, magnetic strip,adhesive strip, buttons, suction cups, D-rings, clips, chains,snap-closed ring, sliding snap-closed ring, wrap-around ring,wrap-around flap, buttoned wrap-around flap, c-hook, s-hook and or atie-string. Further yet, in an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, fastening to the hooking element 33 may be achieved by, butnot limited to, an industrial quality zipper, magnetic strips, standardzipper, buttons, Velcro, Snap-on attachment, clips, chains, rings, etc.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, plurality ofstorage compartments—modular, adjustable, and expandable may be placedat the base end 34 of the collapsible bag. The storage membercompartments may be of different shapes and sizes. The storagecompartments may be, any one of or a combination of, but not limited to,hidden, visible and or netted. Other compartments may be grouped withothers, or may be individual. Furthermore, the storage compartments maybe, but not limited to be, composed of any one of, or a combination of,expandable (polyvinyl, polyethylene, spandex, nylon, spandex/nylon,etc.) or non-expandable and firm material—matching the material of theback end 34.

In continuing reference to the storage compartments, the compartmentsmay be dimensioned to fit standard objects befitting a collapsible bag.Alternatively, compartments may be specific to the unique collapsiblebag and use. Still referring to the storage compartments, they may beindividually attached and removed from the back end 34 using—but notlimited to—a heavy-duty double sided tape or Velcro sufficientlyadhesive enough to support the weight of its contents. Other embodimentsmay include attaching or removing the storage compartments by way ofsnap-attachments, buttons, zippers, chains, clips, etc. Alternatively,in one embodiment, the storage member compartments may be stitched tothe back end 34, thereby relegating the storage compartments to beingstationary and non-modular.

In a preferred embodiment, a hooking element 33 is adapted to beattachable and detachable to a plurality of surfaces by any one of, or acombination of, removable or fixed hooks, suction cups, D-rings, clips,chains, snap-closed ring, sliding snap-closed rings, wrap-around rings,wrap-around flaps, buttoned wrap-around flaps, c-hooks, s-hooks, fixedhooks, zippers, double-sided tape, adhesive fastener, magnetic fastener,textile fastener, and or a tie-string.

In continuing reference to the hooking elements 33, it may be disposedin any one of, or a combination of, but not limited to, the top, side orbottom ends of the back-panel frame 34, top end (not show) and or sidewall of the tube (not shown). In other aspects, a control circuitembedded in the hooking element 33 or the actual fabric of the panelsmay be integrated within a home or facility Internet of Things networkor a remote server, in order to enable analytics, contextual data, orintelligent automation of a power device integrated on the collapsiblebag to engage for entertainment of the user.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the storagecompartments may be any one of or a combination of, but not limited tobe bellowed, un-bellowed, sectionalized and un-sectionalized.Alternatively, the storage members may be transparent to allow the userto view the components or other items in the compartments. For example,the transparency will allow for easy viewing and storage of variousitems including, but not limited to, an iPad, tablet, video console,gaming device etc.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the storagecompartments may comprise of a cooling or heating pad to storecomponents that require refrigeration or calefaction. Furthermore, in analternate embodiment, the sidewall (not shown), top end 32 and bottomend 34 may be comprised of varying colors, shapes, patterns and stylesincluding but, not limited to animated characters, sports teams, collegeteams, company logos, school and university logos etc.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the sidewall (not shown), top end32, bottom end 34 and or the storage compartments may be equipped withany one or a combination of an USB drive, or an AC/DC power adaptor.Alternatively, in another embodiment the sidewall (not shown), top end32, bottom end 34 and or the storage compartments may be equipped withany one of or a combination of a wireless communication technology forinterfacing a mobile device, for example, Wi-Fi connectivity, infrared,or Bluetooth means, or with another system's (for example, a mobiledevice, tablet etc.) underlying service or product.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sidewall (not shown),top end 32, bottom end 34 and or the storage compartments may beequipped with any one of or a combination of sensors embedded in thecompartments and configured to monitor and sense user's position,movement, and environment.

Now in reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustrates a method flow diagram ofthe pop-out and pop-in of the compact bag-privacy pod convertible inaccordance with an aspect of the invention. The method of converting thecompact bag into a privacy pod comprises the following steps: (step 1)unfastening the drawstring from the loop on a second string guide, orthe second string guide itself 41; (step 2) un-guiding the drawstringfrom a first string guide 42; (step 3) separating the top end from thebase 43; (step 4) unfolding a side wall 44; (step 5) expanding the sidewall to form a hollow columnar pod for ingressing and, or egressinginto, and, or out of the said pod via an aperture on the top end, suchthat the base rests on a head of the user during a moment of privacy 45;(step 6) repeating the previous steps in reverse order to fold back intothe bag form, or perform zero additional steps and remain in the podform 46.

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in thissection are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in thisTerminology section applied to them throughout this document, includingin the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further,as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of theword or phrase's case, tense or any singular or plural variations of thedefined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims isnot meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning “eitheror both”.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “apreferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “a variation”, “onevariation”, and similar phrases mean that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearancesof phrases like “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in avariation” in various places in the specification are not necessarilyall meant to refer to the same embodiment or variation.

The term “couple”, “coupled”, “coupling”, or any variation thereof, asused in this specification and the appended claims refers to either anindirect or direct connection between the identified elements,components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be relatedspecifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.Specifically, this term may be used to define tow elements joined by abolted fastener, a latch, a hook, or any other reasonably readilyremovable fastening device.

1. A compact bag-privacy pod convertible comprising: a base with acircular frame disposed with an opposable first and second string guideson an outward surface; a collapsible and tubular side wall with acircumferential fold line; and a top end with a circular frame larger incircumference than the circular frame of the base, an aperture, adrawstring disposed within a tubular brim edge, said brim edge disposedin any one of a plane above or below the fold line, and configured suchthat when the drawstring traversed through an eyelet on the tubular brimedge is drawn: the aperture on the top end is closed; the tubular sidewall is collapsed such that the top end frame and the base frame arealigned; the drawstring from the top end is guided through the firstopposable string guide and fastened to the second opposable string guidewith any one of a hooking element, such that the top end folds over thefold line and is adjacent to the base and the guided drawstring servesas a shoulder strap for carriage; and further configured such that whenthe drawstring is unfastened from the second string guide: thedrawstring is unguided from the first string guide; the top end isseparated from the base and the tubular side wall is unfolded along thefold line and said wall is expanded; the drawstring is undrawn; the topend is opened forming an aperture; and when inverted and placed over auser, the circular base rests on a head of a user and forms a tubularprivacy pod for the user to change clothes in privacy.
 2. The compactbag-privacy pod convertible of claim 1, further comprising: a pluralityof rows of modular, expandable storage members attached to an innersurface of the tubular side wall configured to be removable and or areplaceable.
 3. The compact bag-privacy pod convertible of claim 2,further comprising a net compartment, a cut-out compartment for dampmaterial, a hidden compartment, a visible compartment, sectionalizedcompartment, temperature insulated compartment and or transparentcompartment.
 4. The compact bag-privacy pod convertible of claim 1,wherein: the hooking element further comprised of any one of, orcombination of fixed hooks, zipper, double-sided tape, magnetic strip,adhesive strip, buttons, suction cups, D-rings, clips, chains,snap-closed ring, sliding snap-closed ring, wrap-around ring,wrap-around flap, buttoned wrap-around flap, c-hook, s-hook and or atie-string.
 5. The compact bag-privacy pod convertible of claim 1organizer of claim 1, wherein: the base outer surface further comprisesa handle for carriage by a user or holding by a second user, while afirst user is standing inside of the pod.
 6. The compact bag-privacy podconvertible of claim 1, further comprising: any one of a zippered orsnap-closed D-shaped door, inverted U-shaped door, or single zippered orsnap-closed line running the length of any one of a side of an expandedprivacy pod convertible.
 7. The compact bag-privacy pod convertible ofclaim 1, wherein: the tubular side wall is configured with accordionpleat, whereby expansion and collapse of the tubular side wall is alongsaid accordion pleat.
 8. The compact bag-privacy pod convertible ofclaim 1, wherein: the material is comprised of any one of, orcombination of, canvas, polyurethane, taffeta, kodura nylon, nylon, 190Dnylon, and, or cotton.
 9. The compact bag-privacy pod convertible ofclaim 1, further comprising: at least one pair of eyelet on a portionnear the base, such that when inverted over a standing user, the usermay view surrounding through the at least one pair of eyelet.
 10. Thecompact bag-privacy pod convertible of claim 1, further comprising: atleast one mesh-ventilation allowing for the free-exchange of air betweenboth sides of a wall of the pod.
 11. The compact bag-privacy pod ofclaim 1, further comprising: an electronic detection means operablycoupled to said pod; an interface means for transmitting a data fromsaid electronic detection means to a storage means; a processor forexecuting instructions stored in memory, wherein when executed,configure the pod to cause any one of the following: transfer data overa network interface for analytics; actuate a motor; and cause playbackof an auditory and or visual cue.
 12. A compact bag-privacy podconvertible comprising: a base with a frame disposed with an opposablefirst and second string guides on an outward surface; a pliant side wallfoldable along at least one-fold line; and a top end with an an apertureand a drawstring disposed circumferentially below the aperture andconfigured such that when the drawstring traversed through an eyelet isdrawn: the aperture on the top end is closed; the pliant side wall isshrunk and folded over the fold line; and the drawstring from the topend is guided through the first opposable string guide and fastened tothe second opposable string guide with any one of a hooking element,such that the top end folds over the fold line and is adjacent to thebase and the guided drawstring serves as a shoulder strap for carriage;and further configured such that when the drawstring is unfastened fromthe second string guide: the drawstring is unguided from the firststring guide; the top end is separated from the base and the pliant sidewall is unfolded along the fold line and said wall is expanded; thedrawstring is undrawn; the top end is opened forming an aperture; andwhen inverted and placed over a user, the circular base rests on a headof a user and forms a tubular privacy pod for the user to change clothesin privacy.
 13. The compact bag-privacy pod convertible of claim 12,further comprising: a plurality of rows of modular, expandable storagemembers attached to an inner surface of the tubular side wall configuredto be removable and or a replaceable.
 14. The compact bag-privacy podconvertible of claim 13, further comprising a net compartment, a cut-outcompartment for damp material, a hidden compartment, a visiblecompartment, sectionalized compartment, temperature insulatedcompartment and or transparent compartment.
 15. The compact bag-privacypod convertible of claim 12, wherein: the hooking element furthercomprised of any one of, or combination of fixed hooks, zipper,double-sided tape, magnetic strip, adhesive strip, buttons, suctioncups, D-rings, clips, chains, snap-closed ring, sliding snap-closedring, wrap-around ring, wrap-around flap, buttoned wrap-around flap,c-hook, s-hook and or a tie-string.
 16. The compact bag-privacy podconvertible of claim 12, wherein: the base outer surface furthercomprises a handle for carriage by a user or holding by a second user,while a first user is standing inside of the pod.
 17. The compactbag-privacy pod convertible of claim 12, further comprising: any one ofa zippered or snap-closed D-shaped door, inverted U-shaped door, orsingle zippered or snap-closed line running the length of any one of aside of an expanded privacy pod convertible.
 18. The compact bag-privacypod convertible of claim 12, wherein: the material is comprised of anyone of, or combination of, canvas, polyurethane, taffeta, Kodura nylon,nylon, 190D nylon, and, or cotton.
 19. The compact bag-privacy podconvertible of claim 12, further comprising: at least one pair of eyeleton a portion near the base, such that when inverted over a standinguser, the user may view surrounding through the at least one pair ofeyelet.
 20. The compact bag-privacy pod convertible of claim 12, furthercomprising: at least one mesh-ventilation allowing for the free-exchangeof air between both sides of a wall of the pod.
 21. The compactbag-privacy pod of claim 12, further comprising: an electronic detectionmeans operably coupled to said pod; an interface means for transmittinga data from said electronic detection means to a storage means; aprocessor for executing instructions stored in memory, wherein whenexecuted, configure the pod to cause any one of the following: transferdata over a network interface for analytics; actuate a motor; and causeplayback of an auditory and or visual cue.
 22. A method of converting acompact bag into a privacy pod, the method comprising the steps of:unfastening a drawstring from a loop on a second string guide, or thesecond string guide itself; un-guiding the drawstring from a firststring guide; separating a top end from a base: unfolding a side wall;expanding the side wall by drawing open the drawstring to form a hollowcolumnar pod for access and, or egress into, and, or out of the said podvia an aperture on the top end, such that the base rests on a head of auser during a moment of privacy; and repeating the previous steps inreverse order to fold back into the compact bag, or perform zeroadditional steps and remain as the privacy pod.